Total passengers at Chippewa County Int’l Airport (CIU) increased 5% in 2019, when compared to 2018, which too was an increase from past years. 48,344 passengers flew to/from the Chippewa County Airport in 2019, which was an increase of 2,000 passengers over 2018.
“The way our passenger numbers were increasing throughout the year, I really thought we would break 50,000 passengers this year”, stated Airport Manager Tami Beseau, but we came up a little short”. “Although that would have been great, what business isn’t pleased with a 5 % increase year after year”?
“I want to thank air travelers in the EUP, Northern Lower Michigan and the Algoma region for continuing to support, the Chippewa County Int’l Airport”, said Beseau.
Skywest Airlines a Delta Connection carrier continues to provide reliable service to/from Detroit and Minneapolis seven days a week. In 2019, Skywest Airlines completed 98% of their scheduled flights. Having a 98% assurance your flight out of Chippewa will be completed is important to those business travelers flying regularly for work, and those travelers that are taking a much anticipated time certain vacation.
In the winter months, the CIU staff provides 24/7 snow removal coverage. The added expense to keep plowing and maintaining the runways in-between flights and through the night is expensive. But, allowing “mother nature” to get 5-6 hours ahead of you in a snow event may be the difference between a flight leaving or arriving on time or at all.
Good runway conditions at all hours also benefits Fed Ex and UPS. In 2019 these couriers flew over one (1) million pounds of air freight into CIU. CIU also provides services to air ambulances that may need to pick up or drop off patients at all hours. The 24/7 snow crew provides vital life savings services to the region’s residents.
CIU is expecting the upward passenger trend to continue in 2020, as CIU ticket prices continue to be competitive; the airport continues to offer air travelers free parking ; and Skywest Airlines (Delta Connection) will continue providing excellent air service.
Many thanks to those of you that have flown in/out of CIU, and for those who haven’t yet, GIVE US A TRY! For more information regarding flight schedules, visit: Airciu.com, and for tickets and pricing go to Delta.com.
The Chippewa County EDC manages the Chippewa County International Airport. Chippewa County Economic Development Corporation’s mission is to encourage economic growth through strengthening the county’s competitive position and facilitating investments that build capacity, create jobs, generate economic opportunity and improve quality of life.
CONTACT: Chris Olson, chrisolson@chippewacountyedc.com / (906)495-5631